Two years ago, Ryback was called out by CM Punk on Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast after the former champ left WWE. In the podcast, Punk accused Ryback of not only injuring him in the ring, but also being a “Steroid Guy”. But even with all the bad blood between them, it looks like Ryback would really just like to bury the hatchet.

In part two of his interview with former WWE writer Kevin Eck for Press Box Online, Ryback says that while Punk has said a lot of nasty things about him in the media, life is way too short to hold grudges. Ryback also goes on to elaborate on why he still jokes about Punk on social media, and what he would say to Punk if he ever ran into him. Ryback has always been an outspoken guy, particularly after reading WWE, so this is pretty much par for the course. You can read the interview excerpt below:

Source: YouTube

“Recently, Colt Cabana and myself had a talk, and he was very apologetic, even though he never said anything. But it meant a lot to me because we always got along in the few encounters we had. I will never know why [Punk] chose to say the things he did, and it definitely didn’t help my career at that point. All I know is he was very banged up and miserable during the periods we worked together. I think people have to look at it this way: How many other people are out there saying that about me? I was always respectful of him in his time there, and before our runs together, he was always good to me. Working in the WWE, though, has a way to bring out the worst in everybody. I have made jokes [about Punk] over the years via social media, as it is fun to get a reaction from his followers from time to time, but if I were to ever see him, I would tell him, ‘If I really did ever hurt you [in the ring], I truly am sorry, but I don’t think it was the right thing to do to say the things you did.’ Life is too short to hold grudges, and I truly wish him the best in his life.”

For as much grief as Ryback gets for his constant negativity towards WWE ever since leaving earlier this year, it’s kind of refreshing to see him say something that, in no way, involves airing grievances about his lack of a push in the company. It’s true that life is too short for grudges, especially considering the extent to which grudges are an issue in the wrestling business. Some guys take that sort of thing to their grave, which is why a guy like Hulk Hogan admitted he was relieved to have buried the hatchet with The Ultimate Warrior before his passing. There’s a certain catharsis to just letting go of all that negativity. For what it’s worth, it seems Ryback has done the same, even though he hasn’t been able to iron things out with Punk in person.